2017 Champions of Change: Advocates Fueling the Flame

2017 Champions of Change Honors Colorado Lawmakers Who Promote Women in Business

Denver, Colorado, October 25, 2016 – The Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce will honor and recognize members of the Colorado legislature for their work promoting women in business and their efforts encouraging growth in Colorado on Thursday, November 17, from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. at The Governor’s Residence at Boettcher Mansion.

This year’s honorees are:

Senator Laura Woods has helped mothers and families in Colorado through her sponsorship of HB16-1387, which requires insurance companies to pay for medically-needed infant formula due to severe allergies or illness. Senator Woods has also been outspoken in her efforts to pass construction defects reform that would help home ownership availability and cost accessibility.

Representative Lang Sias has helped families and small businesses in Colorado through his prime sponsorship of SB16-36, which benefits taxpayers and businesses by simplifying the process and reducing the cost of appealing adverse tax decisions by the Department of Revenue. Additionally, Lang has worked hard in the legislature to create an environment that enables businesses and families to thrive, including championing low taxes, reasonable regulations, and a smart and efficient energy policy. As a member of the House Business Committee and House Finance Committee, Lang has supported Colorado’s business community and the families who depend on it.

Representative Janet Buckner has helped women and families through her sponsorship of SB16-212, which aligns state statute with changes in federal law related to the Colorado child care assistance program (CCCAP). This modification specifies that a child receiving CCCAP supports continues to be eligible for those supports for an entire 12-month period before eligibility is redetermined, as long as the child’s family income remains below 85% of the state median income for that family size, as required by federal law.

Representative Brittany Pettersen has helped children and families with her sponsorship of SB16-002, which broadens the scope and impact of a bill signed in to law during 2012. As recommended by the Early Childhood and School Readiness Legislative Commission SB 16-22 removes the 10 county cap on the number of counties that may participate and the deadline for counties to apply to be part of the Childcare Assistance Cliff Effect Pilot program. Additionally, Representative Pettersen sponsored HB 1050, which is an effort to address the child care needs of low-income parents as they pursue higher education.

The event is sponsored by Xcel Energy, Fidelity Investments, National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Southwest Airlines. Tickets available on the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce website.